Re: [ft] Free Fonts

[Werner LEMBERG]

> Rationally, it makes sense that fonts are indeed copyrightable as
> "computer programs" for the following two simple reasons: [...]

You don't need to convince me :-)

> It sounds like Germany is like the USA in that the copyright office
> has decided that typeface designs will not be recognized as artistic
> works there, since they have a utility function,

Yes; in Germany those fonts are called `Brotschriften' (which somehow
translates to `fonts for daily use').

> and therefore are subject to patents in the USA and to "Vienna
> depositions" or whatever we call them in Germany.  The effect is the
> same.

Basically yes.  There are legal details which are different but this
beyond our discussion, I think.

>> All designs published in this catalogue are no longer protected.
> 
> I do not believe this is the case worldwide, such as in the UK.

You'll probably always find exceptions.  Just think of the Lex Disney
in the USA thanks to hard lobbying by this company...


    Werner